Pyeongchang, South Korea, Feb. 9 (Jiji Press)—Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzō briefly met with North Korea’s second-highest-ranking official on Friday, during their visit to Pyeongchang, South Korea, to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, according to South Korea’s presidential office.

Abe shook hands and exchanged words with Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea, at a reception hosted by South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

This was the Japanese leader’s first contact with a senior official of the current North Korean regime, led by Kim Jong Un.

Meanwhile, Abe, along with US Vice President Mike Pence, did not join a photo session of national leaders, including Kim Yong Nam, at the reception, officials of the presidential office said.